Thanks to ThinkHero we now have the full video of yesterday’s panel available. What an enjoyable 45-minute hangout with awesome people it is! Press play and let D&D introduce the guests …

And once you are done, here is a leaked recording of the deleted scene between Pycelle and Tywin as well. (For better quality, it is safe to guess we only need to wait for the DVD extras.) Really a shame that they cut this one out.

Thanks! I will be watching this and the leaked scene tonight.
FYI: Zachary Levi and Nerd Machine reported on Twitter that Nerd HQ is doing a panel with Richard Madden at 6:30 (Pacific Time). I believe they do have a You Tube channel as well. Not sure if other Game of Thrones cast will be there. They just mentioned Richard on Twitter.

That deleted scene rocks ! I was afraid they wrote it just cause Julian Glover was bitching about not having enough to do, but I was wrong : it truly rocks and serves﻿ many purposes !
I also like the connection to the “stag” scene of season 1… this time it is no longer the Baratheons who Tywin hunts, but the Tullys !

I think the panel was a little familiar to so many of the other panels we have seen.

I think the problem is that each year we hear so many of the same questions being put forth by a different moderator. The really should do some research to avoid the usual questions asked in EVERY interview.

Plus honestly this host kept wanting to express his opinion of scenes and let everyone know he understood what was going on (sorta). I would rather hear the cast ad crew than the moderator!!!

It was a fantastic scene, and the added Pycelle material’s been wonderful. Non-readers wouldn’t know he was a player in the game without his scene with Ros, no matter how many people like to cringe at it. This scene is payoff for both the stag skinning and the Ros scene. Suck it, haters. >:]

Such a shame this was cut from the series proper. More so than other deleted scenes, this one deserved proper inclusion.

Darquemode:
I think the panel was a little familiar to so many of the other panels we have seen.

I think the problem is that each year we hear so many of the same questions being put forth by a different moderator. The really should do some research to avoid the usual questions asked in EVERY interview.

Plus honestly this host kept wanting to express his opinion of scenes and let everyone know he understood what was going on (sorta). I would rather hear the cast ad crew than the moderator!!!

Yes – I don’t particularly care to hear the moderator’s opinion of the scenes. Just moderate…unless of course you are hilarious like McElhenney was at the Emmy panel.

The cast members looked tired (uninterested?). Maybe because of the long trip from Belfast. Maybe because they are asked the same questions over and over again. The “have you read the books” question should be banned going forward.

For me, what worked in the Emmy panel was that the cast members were asked the same questions (for example, “if you could play another character who would it be?”). In Comic Con, each cast member is asked a question that related to them/their character specifically. So, once they answered, they were pretty much done. I understand that Comic Con is a different beast from the Emmy panel but still…there has to be a way of enlivening it.

Honestly, as much as I love seeing Michelle and Richard, I didn’t really want to hear a re-hash of the RW. I was hoping for some S4 teasers. Yes, I know there are issues with spoilers and non-readers but nothing new was offered. That panel desperately need NCW.

Actors on sf/fantasy shows aren’t typically in the hardcore sf/fantasy fan scene and seeing them at fan conventions makes for an awkward atmosphere, like it’s their job and people are screaming with adoration at them for it. GRRM is like the only person involved in GoT who seems at home there.

The only questions I really want to hear asked are the ones they’re all contractually forbidden from answering. Lady Stoneheart is a pretty big elephant in any room with Michelle Fairley and any asoiaf fans!

SDCC is no longer an event for the ultra-enthusiasts; it’s a pretty “mainstream”/”general audiences” kinda thing, and has been for the past 5 years or so. They ask the “same questions we’ve heard before” because the bigger chunk of the audience there hasn’t read all the interviews and kept up with all of the news stories. Not everyone devours all of this media like we do, and the Comic Con panel has to cater first and foremost to its audience, not just the hardcore internet audience.

Wow. What a lot of negative vibes coming off this thread. No, this wasn’t the best panel ever, but we have very high, maybe impossibly high, expectations. 2011 = brand new thing, first time seeing the cast at a big con, all new and exciting questions. 2012 = different batch of cast members, some new questions, some of the same questions, big announcements, lots of tease as to what is coming. 2013 = everyone, including the cast, is in bit of mourning over the Red Wedding, more somber tone, many returning cast and a lot of people on one panel, so the questions are scattered about more, and a lot of the questions have been answered over and over again. But Comic-Con has gotten pretty main stream and I imagine lots of folks in the audience haven’t read or seen all the interviews the way many of us have. That said, I think many of the questions the moderator asked would have been better in one-on-one interviews where the questionee would have more time to elaborate. I loved John sort of running right over him when he tried to interject in the middle of John’s thoughtful answer.

Loved that deleted scene! Julian Glover was amazing, and Charles Dance was awesome as usual.
And I can’t thank you enough for the panel video!!! I so want to go to Comic-Con one day!!! Why should I live in Greece???

In a way, and I don’t think this will happen but having more questions from the audience rather than the last 5-10 minutes of the panel would work far better, and the moderator could, well, moderate. To be fair I didn’t mind Elvis(?) and Martin last year was not great, I maybe in the minority here but I got bored watching on yt.
Shame about a lack of casting or even saying that they have cast but are keeping under wraps. Then we could have fun guessing who they have cast by the clues they hopefully would have provided.
Loved the scene and hopefully will be included and there should be more of this quality in the series itself, less torture, brothel, and more of these conversations. They have proved they can do it so do more of this, and spend money on our battles and special effects.

As I am a long time poster in WiCnet, please do not confuse me with Patchface above – I definitely do NOT think D&D are douches; in fact I think they are quite brilliant! The panel was just a typical panel – think folks expectations were up for some news on next year…wanted to hear at least the premiere date. As they did not announce, made me think that the production was really pressed for time this past season to make their announced open date. They most likely just want a little breathing room this year. Thought the panel was fine if not exciting (though they could use another moderator and more time for questions from audience).

May I suggest that we try to be a little more pro-active and positive, here?

The con committee obviously thought that it would be better to have someone other than George Martin to moderate the panel this year, and that there be some opportunity for the cast to talk about the Red Wedding, and for Emilia to comment on what had happened to Dany.

Without spoiling the events of the end of Storm of Swords, you can imagine what this sort of thinking would lead to for Season 4. Questions about scenes involving Tyrion and Littlefinger, for example. Given what we know now about the circumstances when the next panel happens in a year, what questions would you all -want- to hear for this to be a great panel? Which guests should appear? Who would make a better moderator, and (especially) why that person?

In many ways, the annual Comic Con panels for GoT, along with the Emmy panels, will form a sort of accessible history of the creators and cast interacting with their public. This is nothing to take lightly. Imagine what college classes today would have to study if we had a record of Shakespeare and the original cast of Hamlet talking about their production.

So, offer some suggestions, please. Even if the Comic Con organizers are foolish enough not to take note, somebody running some convention will read and heed it.

Although you should get a slap on the wrist for your spoiler neglect, I must say that I found the clothing accessory around Michelle’s neck very intriguing…sort of like she had something to hide….a scar perhaps? Was she speaking with a hand over her neck as well?
Hmmmm…..

Despite the retread of questions, the panel was still enjoyable to this woman. The extra scene was awesome, too bad they couldn’t find a place for it since it shows how Dance truly owns all the powermongers in Westeros and does it so well! Thanks for the posts and links as always!

They need to have comedians as moderators. Rob McElhenney was great on the Emmy panel, and as a result it was by far the best panel the cast has had. Failing that, I think David Benioff would do a better job than this Elvis guy did.

Apparently Elvis Mitchell thought he was moderating a session at the Television Critics Association instead of a fan lallapalooza. The questions shouldn’t have been serious, scene by scene analyses, but you can’t tell that to a visiting lecturer at Harvard.

This wasn’t as bad as comments made it seem. I do agree they need to find a good moderator (D&D wouldn’t be bad, if they want to stay in-house), and it’d be great to see more insightful questions and less “HAVE YOU READ THE BOOKS?”….I did like John Bradley’s bit on how he views Sam, for example.

What a difference the right moderator can make. Sorry Elvis Mitchell but this panel was so stilted and dull. Same old questions we’ve heard a thousand times. They need to get someone to moderate who is livelier and a bit more informed about the show, the books, and the fandom. At about 14:20 Elvis says “You got the writing nomination for what is now being known colloquially as, I think it’s called the Red Wedding?” If this guy doesn’t know that Red Wedding is a years old term that is in the books then he shouldn’t be moderating. Contrast this panel with the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. panel with Jeph loeb moderating. Pure awesome.

I think the issues with Jon’s character in the series have simply been a result of them ageing up the younger characters. Him acting sort of immature and weird would be fine if he was a teenager, but seeing as he clearly isn’t it doesn’t seem quite right – though it’s necessary for the story. I look forward to him being more mature in the next season. I have confidence in Kit Harrington, despite what a lot of people online seem to think.

SDCC is no longer an event for the ultra-enthusiasts; it’s a pretty “mainstream”/”general audiences” kinda thing, and has been for the past 5 years or so. They ask the “same questions we’ve heard before” because the bigger chunk of the audience there hasn’t read all the interviews and kept up with all of the news stories. Not everyone devours all of this media like we do, and the Comic Con panel has to cater first and foremost to its audience, not just the hardcore internet audience.

Apparently Elvis Mitchell thought he was moderating a session at the Television Critics Association instead of a fan lallapalooza. The questions shouldn’t have been serious, scene by scene analyses, but you can’t tell that to avisiting lecturer at Harvard.

I picked up that as well, however this was the first Comic Con session where
exec producers and the book author appeared on the seated panel rather than
moderating as they did in the past. The momentum and direction is different,
but I appreciated it, just as I followed the last three sessions.

Because for one, Jason Momoa lives nearby, and two, he’s a bigger fan than Bean or Addy.

And because Jason already was at SDCC. He was doing a panel an hour later to promote his new movie Wolves, and he’d never miss the oportunity to meet his friends David, Dan or Emilia and other cast members.

Monica:
These are thinking, intelligent people who are good at their jobs.

I especially enjoyed the comments from Richard Madden and Michelle Fairley and will miss their performances.

I was thoroughly affected by what they expressed, each owing to the impact the
experience of engaging in such a series, and missing the camaraderie . Any
followup work detail would likely be a tough one to follow.

I find it interesting that most of the actors were in agreement of delayed reading
of the books, with respect to the insights actually spoiling their character portrayals.
I’ve learned some actors feel the opposite is true, as this fully defines the realism of
the role, however not limiting them in the expression they would seek to add
dimension. After all, they are bringing to life these characters, in a way that just
words would not convey. Whatever works as best method. Still, the scope for
the show dictates everything.

I appreciate it when actors read the books or meet the person they are portraying.
They still get to own the role as they see fit, or as the showrunners and script
demands. Awareness doesn’t diminish their professional abilities to adapt to
what’s prescribed as well as lending respect to the source of material. I’ve read
either way works or appeals to methods of acting to which they may have been
taught. I’m amazed at what Dinklage and Dance have accomplished so far, can’t
wait for for the headier stuff coming up.

On an amusing note from a previous year’s panel, Lena Headley mentioned
a fan approaching the autograph table for signing, but backed way from her,
as there was apparently eagerness to have signatures of favoured guests .
They person retorted ” not you, you’re that bitch Cersei !” After initial reaction
of surprise, she responded with a smile, knowing that she was successful in
making her character realized as it should be. Me, I think I would have
carried a rubber dagger or water pistol. Sometimes fans bring there weirdness ,
sometimes the panel is lackluster. Like the song says ” que sera, sera “

It was a fantastic scene, and the added Pycelle material’s been wonderful. Non-readers wouldn’t know he was a player in the game without his scene with Ros, no matter how many people like to cringe at it. This scene is payoff for both the stag skinning and the Ros scene. Suck it, haters. >:]

Such a shame this was cut from the series proper. More so than other deleted scenes, this one deserved proper inclusion.

So true, although I had no offense for the Ros character, in general. This scene
added new dimension to onscreen Peycelle, And Tywin. A missed opportunity,
from a viewers perspective. No idea what prompted the director to delete it.

Cavegirl: And because Jason already was at SDCC. He was doing a panel an hour later to promote his new movie Wolves, and he’d never miss the oportunity to meet his friends David, Dan or Emilia and other cast members.

Exactly—-and it doesn’t hurt to put not only three upcoming movies but also his new TV show in the minds of the GOT fans rather than sit in the VIP lounge waiting for his Wolves session.

I agree with you MRR. For instance, my husband is a huge GoT fan…he’s read the books and faithfully watches the show & discusses it with me and his boss (also a big fan) but my husband does not look up GoT online nor does he seek out interviews with the actors/producers/GRRM. So this panel will be up his alley. I think the disappointment resides in the fact-no new footage was aired, no new casting was announced and not even a start date was announced. The cast cannot really discuss season 4 (watch the EW interviews especially with Peter, Kit, and Emilia who all look very uncomfortable dancing around their answers), D&D can’t and GRRM can’t discuss those things too.
I do think Elvis Mitchell tried to spread it around to the whole cast, producers and GRRM. It’s hard to try to get insightful analysis from 10 people in 45 ish minutes. So I thought the panel did it’s job and Elvis was an improvement over GRRM.

I thought I did hear some King In the North shouts. It nice to hear a drawn out applause and cheers for Richard.

Nancy: I thought I did hear some King In the North shouts. It nice to hear a drawn out applause and cheers for Richard.

I did, too. It reminded me of the introduction of Andy Whitfield at the Spartacus panel right after he’d finished his treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma: “The Bringer of Rain, Andy Whitfield!” Although Whitfield been given a “clean bill of health,” rumors were that his cancer had been diagnosed as a stage 3/4. Sadly they turned out to be true.

Wanted to also add about the panel, I have to give Richard some more credit for acknowledging GRRM as much as he did. Everyone else seemed to be more about David and Dan (no shade intended towards them at all, they do a good job)-so it was nice to see one of the actors bring George into it. Also forgot to add that Emilia also did this, kudos to her too.

Did anyone see Tom Hiddleston’s Loki appearance in Comic Con? He would be EPIC on Game of Thrones. I can’t think of a character he could play though. He would have given Harry Lloyd a run for his money as Viserys and Harry Lloyd was perfect in the role!

Andy Whitfield was such an amazing on screen charismatic presence. Season 1 Spartacus was an awesome season of television mainly because Andy was such a joy to watch and you couldn’t help but to feel his pain and route for him.

The lead in Vikings, Travis Fimmel, IMO also has that powerful on screen presence.

Also Kevin Mckidd from Rome…

I get that gut feeling of depression whenever I think of Andy… He was amazing. He will always be missed.

wow the nerdhq panel with Richard Madden was amazing. Zachary Levi is such a great host and Richard excels in a more intimate setting like this were he can use his charm and humour more than give long thoughtful serious answers. Great audience questions as well.

Otherwise I’m not as high on the Pycelle/Tywin-scene as most others seem to be. Since we’ve already been shown that Pycelle is faking his old feeble man thing this scene doesn’t feel that vital (I’m unsure how much we know of Pycelle’s loyalty to the Lannisters in the show tho).

I, for one, really liked this panel. I liked the fact that it was more analytical than usual with questions about specific scenes and aspects of writing and acting. The questions were then more interesting and the actors ended up giving more insightful answers.

I realize that the SDCC may not be the right place for this as it’s more a place for fans to have fun. In that respect, I can understand people’s disappointment but I thought that the panel was more interesting than the two previous ones. It suffered from a lack of time though. 45 minutes is not enough. Especially with so much people on the panel.
I agree with @Nancy that Mitchell tried his best to make every cast members and writers participate.

Richard Madden is adorably cute but more then that, he is so authentic…

I love this because the whole audience gets to ask the questions.Great questions and damn why can’t the panel be more like this.Doesn’t HBO trust the fans to have good questions?

Zachary Levi is a wonderful human being and a true nerd/geek. He has attended these cons and knows what fans want. And so he decided to make it for them, and that is NerdHQ.

He charges very little for each panel (around $20). ALL the money goes to charity (Operation Smile). He likely takes a loss at every one of these. And he hires good people to work with him.

I worked on a few charity things, with him involved, and friends of mine who have worked with and for him will tell you that even behind closed doors, at his worst, he’s still a decent human being.

To give you an idea of what a cool cat he is, when he was on CHUCK I did a podcast that was kind of popular and he ended up running into two people who did it with me, at separate times, in Paris and NYC respectively, and each time he not only knew who we were and the name of the podcast, but also treated my co-hosts with more attention than you’d ever imagine. And we weren’t even close to the most popular podcast for the show.

So, please, HBO… bring GAME OF THRONES to NerdHQ! SDCC is nice and all, but NerdHQ is where fans really get to speak. And it all goes to charity.

WIC, do a separate post of the Richard Madden panel, please! Richard gave quite a few details about GoT. He was terrific! His panel is also crashed by special guests at the end too (won’t say who for those who have not watched it).
I have a ton of respect for Zach Levi and what he does. The Nerd HQ panels are fantastic. If you are a Doctor Who fan, Nathan Fillion was the mod for that one and he did a great job.
The fans really asked some great questions of Richard and he gave thoughtful answers. What a lovely man.
I agree. HBO get a GoT panel with Nerd HQ! The fans speak there and it’s for a good cause. Win/win all around!
PS: HBO, if you need a Mod ideas for GoT SDCC panel next year…Zach Levi or Nathan Fillion would be two great choices.

Anyway, the panel wasn’t awful at all, unless you had ridiculously high expectations. Not ALL moderators can be as insanely good as Rob McElhinney (though really, they need to get him to do it next year). I agree that it helps if the moderator asks questions directed at everyone and they all get a chance to give their own answer, this makes for better entertainment. :) However I’m assuming they were VERY pressed for time and just wanted to retread some of the basics in front of the show’s more mainstream audience.

And the deleted scene? AMAZING. Gorgeously shot, expertly written and acted by Dance and Glover. Wish they could have crammed it in to episode 2.

That’s not nearly enough spoiler tagging in this either…anyone can read that and see the block text and put two and two together, that Michelle Fairley is supposed to come back…can we try and remember the Unsullied here?

I agree that Mitchell wasn’t the best moderator for Comic-Con, though I do think he was much better than GRRM was. I think Rob McElhenney would’ve been great for it. Loved John Bradley’s answers, wish we could’ve heard more from him. Frankly, a lot of the questions were really boring and stuff we hear all the time in cast interviews. The lack of s4 news baffles me because Comic Con is all about teasing future projects and seasons of shows. And GoT’s panel didn’t do that at all. It wasn’t the worst panel or anything, it had some good moments and the Tywin/Pycelle scene was AMAZING, but the panel overall was a bit of a letdown after last year’s. It’s hard to top themselves.

Or the question, “Why do you think GOT is popular with fans around the world?”
I think I have heard every permutation and combination of answers to that can be formulated.
Enough to hold me a lifetime.

However, the deleted scene. What were they smoking when they deleted that? You know that part where Pycelle started blubbering and stuttering and Tywin yelled at him to shut up? That was freaking priceless.

And here’s a cool interview. I feel bad for the actor that plays the monk because the Ragnar guy keeps hitting him and stuff… Awkward… They also mention how they film in Ireland at the same time GoT does and they should play softball with the GoT crew.

I thought it was a pretty boring panel. The host was fine, and actually much better than GRRM. I thought he asked some very insightful questions about season 3. However….

I was hoping for more details about season 4 like a huge casting announcement as they did last year. The highlight of other panels this year was bringing out surprise guests/new cast members, which is always fun. They couldn’t even bring out Pedro Pascal?

I know I know I’m late to the party, but I feel I must point out that there were actually quite a few of us who were screaming “King In the North!” you just couldn’t hear it very well in the recording. If you watch the panel at around 7:10 one guy screams it and then it’s me and my friend trying to pick up the chant. We tried really hard to represent!